tag:www.erichgreen.com,2013-03-21:/blog/701942018-12-11T17:23:28ZMovable Type Enterprisetag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.35406642018-12-11T17:24:28Z2018-12-11T17:23:28Z
ZF is a car parts manufacturer that is currently developing external airbags. The safety data that it has presented may prompt other manufacturers to consider this technology. Drivers in New York who are interested in vehicle safety tech will also want to take note although it will probably be a while before external airbags become standard features on vehicles.

ZF is focusing on external airbags that protect occupants in the event of a side-impact crash. Its model goes on both sides of a vehicle and is meant to provide an additional crumple zone to absorb the shock of the collision. According to ZF, external airbags can reduce the severity of occupants' injuries by up to 40 percent.

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A predictive system will be designed to sense an impending crash and deploy the airbags in the split second before the crash. Whether it will do both is another question. One more concern is that the airbags might deploy when they are not needed. Other predictive systems, such as those that tighten the seat belt or adjust the suspension, do not offer such a drastic solution.

ZF is confident that camera, lidar, radar and ultrasonics technology are advanced enough to overcome these challenges. Its current airbag model already boasts an inflation time of 15 milliseconds, which is comparable to that of an airbag in the steering wheel.

Safety tech is not meant to make drivers complacent behind the wheel. Negligence is always a possibility, but those who are the victims of another's negligence may be able to recover damages under the state's personal injury law. A lawyer may help gather evidence of negligence such as the police report, phone records and eyewitness testimony. The lawyer might then be able to negotiate for a fair settlement with the auto insurance company.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.35280682018-11-29T22:04:17Z2018-11-29T22:03:17Z
Proposed legislation under consideration by the City Council would legalize motorized e-scooters and e-bikes in New York City. If the four bills pass and become law, they would make it easier for people to take advantage of emerging transportation options that are environmentally friendly. They would also put more scooters on the road.

The first of the bills, sponsored by a councilman from the Bronx, would make e-scooters legal and cap their top speed at 15 mph. This is similar to the ways in which e-scooters are regulated in other parts of the country, such as San Francisco and Washington, D.C. A second bill would make e-bikes with throttles legal and cap their top speed at 20 mph. This bill would also lower the fines levied for use of unauthorized bikes to $100 from $500.

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The third bill proposes a program to bring illegal bikes into conformity. The program would be operated by the Department of Transportation and funded by the city. According to a city councilman from Brooklyn, delivery workers are using approximately 50,000 e-bikes citywide. Converting the bikes to meet legal requirements will cost around $1,000 per bike. The last of the bills proposes a pilot program for scooter sharing. The Department of Transportation would select the location of the scooter sharing program.

One concern with so many of a relatively new sort of vehicle on New York roadways is a crash. People who are riding bicycles or scooters are extremely vulnerable compared to those in conventional vehicles, and a collision could be devastating. Those who have been injured due to a car driver's negligence might want to have legal support when seeking compensation for their medical expenses and other losses.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.35115772018-11-16T17:37:34Z2018-11-16T17:36:34Z
The end of Daylight Saving Time means that many residents of New York will be making their evening commute in the dark. The diminished visibility puts both drivers and pedestrians at a higher risk for injury. Pedestrians are especially in danger in the early stages when they are trying to adjust to distractions like the glare from headlights and streetlamps.

This comes at a time when some states are seeing a jump in pedestrian fatalities. California, for example, saw 74 deaths in 2015 but 134 in 2017. The Governors Highway Safety Association even stated in a preliminary report that L.A. County has the most pedestrian deaths in the nation.

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Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in L.A. has admitted more than 800 pedestrians since the beginning of 2017 according to its trauma database. Every day, one or two pedestrians are admitted to the medical center with bone fractures or serious head or internal organ injuries after being hit by a vehicle.

Though California residents have voted on the proposition to create a permanent, year-round Daylight Saving Time, some experts are skeptical about the potential results. The rise in injuries and fatalities may simply be due to increased population, increased use of public transportation and a rise in driver and pedestrian distractions. Permanent Daylight Saving Time will also lead to darker mornings, putting children on the way to school at risk.

When drivers become negligent in the nighttime and cause car accidents, they will be to blame. This means victims may file a personal injury claim against that driver's auto insurance company and strive for damages that cover their medical expenses, vehicle repair costs, lost wages and other losses. A lawyer may assist with the filing and negotiate for the settlement. A lawyer might also prepare for litigation if a settlement cannot be agreed upon.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.34966512018-11-02T16:34:35Z2018-11-02T16:33:35Z
Drivers in New York may be worried about the impact of distracted driving on road safety. Despite warnings, public awareness campaigns and new laws, people continue to text, surf and chat on their smartphones while behind the wheel of their cars. Even public officials have been seen live streaming on Facebook while driving. However, the families of people who have been killed in crashes due to distracted driving are demanding tougher penalties and harsher enforcement for operating a vehicle while distracted.

Traffic fatalities have gone up around the United States in recent years, and many attribute at least part of that spike to the emergence of the smartphone. Many drivers struggle not to look at their phones, send texts or check social media while sitting in slow traffic or at a red light. Many states, like New York, have passed laws that prohibit the use of handheld devices while driving; any interaction with electronics must be hands-free. Similar laws have been passed in Rhode Island and Oregon. One company that monitors phone use claims that distracted driving dropped by 19 percent in the first month after the laws were adopted.

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Some insurance companies are also taking action by having drivers use apps that can indicate if they were distracted while behind the wheel. If they are found to be driving while texting, their insurance rates could go up. Other companies provide discounts for safe drivers who stay off the phone while operating their vehicles.

Someone who has been hurt in a car accident due to a distracted driver may suffer severe injuries and lifelong disabilities. A personal injury lawyer can help a victim seek compensation for damages such as lost wages and current and future medical bills.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.34823212018-10-18T16:04:15Z2018-10-18T16:03:15Z
The New York State Department of Transportation has identified Middle Neck Road by Station Plaza in Great Neck Plaza as a hot spot for pedestrian accidents. A review of data from 2014 to 2016 showed that at least 20 accidents that injured pedestrians or bicyclists happened on or close to that stretch of road. Most recently, a 2007 Lincoln struck a 71-year-old man, causing him to sustain serious head injuries.

This pedestrian accident took place only days before a scheduled event meant to improve safety for pedestrians. The surviving wife of a 43-year-old man who died after being hit on that road in 2016 had organized a safety event to raise awareness about the dangers of crossing Middle Neck Road. She had become an activist for pedestrian safety and said that the accident involving the 71-year-old man represented the third person hit by a vehicle on the road in only the last month.

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The director of a nonprofit on Long Island that's committed to helping communities become pedestrian friendly cited the proximity of the train station to Middle Neck Road and the commercial density of the area as reasons for the high rate of pedestrian accidents. Her group has suggested painting fresh lane stripes, narrowing the road to reduce speeds and extending curbs to promote safety.

Pedestrians frequently suffer serious injuries when hit by motor vehicles. A person coping with broken bones or head trauma could expect high medical bills and significant time away from work. An insurance settlement from the responsible driver might relieve financial pressure, but an insurer might try to limit liability. The representation of an attorney who is knowledgeable about motor vehicle accidents could help a victim receive adequate compensation. A lawyer could file a lawsuit that details the evidence about the accident and the person's damages.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.34589802018-10-03T17:34:06Z2018-10-03T17:33:06Z
Car safety tech can cut down on crashes by 40 percent and crash-related fatalities by 30 percent, according to federal estimates. Yet it can backfire on drivers who do not understand its limitations. This overreliance on safety tech, which can be seen in many drivers across New York, is the subject of a AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report. The results raise questions about how drivers will adapt to a future of semiautonomous vehicles.

For example, among people who have blind-spot monitoring systems in their vehicles, 80 percent overestimated its ability to detect fast-approaching vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians. Twenty percent put so much trust in the feature that they never check for oncoming vehicles when changing lanes.

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Other safety features can cause drivers to engage in distracted behavior. Twenty-nine percent of individuals with adaptive cruise control in their cars say they are comfortable doing other things behind the wheel when it is activated. Another issue is ignorance of a feature's function. More than 40 percent of drivers with automatic emergency braking confuse it with forward-collision warning.

AAA believes that misleading marketing is partly to blame. It also emphasizes the need for dealers, auto manufacturers and rental car agencies to educate their customers about the limitations of each feature. Otherwise, drivers begin to think that these features can replace, rather than merely assist, them.

In the event of a car accident, victims will want to consult with a lawyer about filing a claim. The courts will decide the percentage that each party was at fault, which will determine if the victim is eligible for compensation. A successful claim could cover medical expenses, vehicle damage, lost wages and more. An attorney could help build up the case with investigators and other third parties, and he or she could go on to negotiate for a settlement or litigate.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.34380402018-09-18T17:04:08Z2018-09-18T17:03:08Z
Hydroplaning is a common hazard whenever it rains in New York. Drivers probably know the basics behind it: a thin layer of water, pushed under by the pressure in the front of the vehicle's tires, develops under the tires and causes the vehicle to float above the road. The thicker that layer becomes, the more the tires lose their traction and increase the risk for uncontrollable skidding and sliding.

Cautious driving will usually prevent hydroplaning. Drivers should slow down and avoid large puddles. They must also exercise greater caution in the first 10 minutes of rainfall as this is the time when the water mixes with the oily residue on the road and forms a slippery surface. Later, the water will wash away most of the residue.

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When hydroplaning cannot be avoided, drivers must keep the following tips in mind. First, they are not to apply the brakes as this will only make the car lose more control. Second, they are to turn in the same direction that the rear of their car is heading. If they do so without oversteering, the car will realign itself. Once it does, drivers can regain control and pull over for a breather or for an assessment of any damage incurred.

Negligent drivers who hydroplane may not follow the above tips. When such drivers cause car accidents, the other side may be able to recover damages with a third-party insurance claim. This is where legal representation may come in.

Accident attorneys may be able to build up a case with the help of accident investigators and reconstruction experts. Medical professionals might also measure the extent of the accident-related injuries. Attorneys may then proceed to negotiations with the defendant's auto insurance company, litigating if a settlement is denied.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.34213082018-09-05T23:34:05Z2018-09-05T23:33:05Z
New York drivers may be intrigued by the results of a study conducted by Volvo and the Harris Poll about distracted driving, how many people engage in it and how they perceive it. It is broken up into two studies involving 2,000 participants in the U.S. More than 50 percent, regardless of age, felt that they need to refocus because they find they are more distracted than they were five years ago.

Most of the participants asserted that distracted drivers, not intoxicated drivers or speeding or aggressive drivers, posed the greatest threat on the road. Approximately 90 percent agreed that there are more distractions today than there were five years ago with 43 percent citing cellphones as the biggest distraction, followed by 11 percent saying children and 9 percent saying other passengers.

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About 81 percent of millennials and Gen Xers admitted to using their phone behind the wheel, followed by 71 percent of Generation Z, who are those born from the mid-1990s to the mid-2000s. Even 50 percent of those belonging to the Silent Generation admitted to it.

Overall, the number came to 60 percent of all participants, yet 90 percent said that they think others are more distracted than they are. Likewise, they perceived that posting on social media, reading emails and surfing the internet are all more common than they really are.

Being aware of the dangers of distracted driving will not necessarily make drivers safer; drivers must make the effort themselves to not be distracted, or they will raise their risk for car accidents. Victims who are not to blame may wish to talk with a lawyer about filing a claim against the other party's auto insurance company. If successful, they might be covered for their vehicle damage, medical bills, lost wages and other losses. The lawyer may be able to handle all negotiations for a settlement.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.34017092018-08-23T00:04:10Z2018-08-23T00:03:10Z
Roundabouts can be an effective deterrent to car accidents in rural areas, especially as compared to straightaways with stop signs. New York readers who drive long distances or frequently drive in rural areas might be interested to learn that more roundabouts are being implemented. Roundabouts force drivers to slow down, reducing the severity of accidents. They may be more effective than red, yellow and green traffic signals.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has been installing roundabouts at intersections in the rural parts of the state and estimates that one roundabout will save the state $2.5 million per year by lowering injury and accident costs. The department plans to continue building roundabouts at intersections in rural areas. It is part of the Vision Zero initiative, a program that involves educators, engineers, emergency workers and law enforcement with the goals of zero traffic fatalities and safer roads for everyone.

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Two-lane rural highways in the U.S. sometimes see high-speed crashes. Drivers who don't want to obey traffic lights have long straightaways where they can gather speed. Traffic lights have been shown to reduce the number of car accidents, but the crashes that do happen are more likely to result in serious injuries.

Individuals who are injured in car accidents in New York might be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages or other damages. In a case where another driver's actions or negligence caused the accident, an attorney might help by gathering evidence in support of the client's claim or by attempting to negotiate settlement with at-fault parties and their insurers. In a case where settlement cannot be reached, an attorney with experience in personal injury law might draft and file a complaint for damages in civil court.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.33853572018-08-09T16:34:11Z2018-08-09T16:33:11Z
In New York and around the country, all teenagers must drive under adult supervision before going for their license. One might think that teen drivers pose a greater threat to others on the road before, not after, they obtain their license. A study from the National Institutes for Health and Virginia Tech University, however, came to the opposite conclusion.

The study involved 90 teen and 131 parent participants in Virginia. Researchers analyzed driving behaviors from the time when they obtained their learner's permit to the time when they had been driving for one year as licensed drivers. They found that teens are eight times more likely to get in a crash or near-miss in the three months after obtaining their license than in the three months before.

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Researchers used software to record drivers' speed and braking times, among other data, and had dash cams to observe drivers and the road. They noted that teens are more likely to engage in unsafe behaviors like accelerating too fast and turning too sharply. These behaviors went down with licensed drivers. Teens were also safer than adults when driving at night and in bad weather.The issue seems to be that parental supervision prevents teens from developing certain skills. With no gradual decrease in supervision, licensed drivers are then lost as to how they can learn these skills.

If such a trend is not reversed, there will continue to be car accidents, and teens may be to blame for them. Victims can consult with a lawyer to see if they have the grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit. In some cases the teenager's parents might be found to bear financial responsibility as well.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.33664902018-07-25T21:54:14Z2018-07-25T21:53:14Z
Collision avoidance systems, multiple in-car airbags and other advanced features are making cars safer than ever in New York. However, as long as there is a human factor behind the wheel, accidents will happen. The Highway Loss Data Institute has some data regarding 2014 to 2016 vehicle models that can be eye-opening to some.

Using this data, Forbes compiled a list of the 10 vehicles that have generated the most personal injury insurance claims. The Mitsubishi Lancer was at the top, generating 215 claims every year. This is double the industry average of 100. This was followed by other models from automakers like Kia, Nissan and Chevrolet.

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The majority of the vehicles were small, light cars, which makes sense from a physics point of view: Larger cars will naturally protect their occupants better in a crash. There were exceptions like the larger four-door Dodge Charger, which generated 175 claims, and the Toyota Corolla iM, a station wagon.

On the other hand, sports cars generate the lowest amount of insurance claims. This is partly because they are driven for fewer miles and usually carry a single passenger. Very large pick-ups have a claims frequency around 45, followed by large luxury SUVs with a frequency of 55.

When driver error is behind a car accident, those who are not at fault or only partially at fault may be able to file for compensation. A personal injury lawyer might assist with the claim by hiring investigators to gather the proof of negligence, and he or she may negotiate on the victim's behalf with the auto insurance company. If the other side makes a low settlement offer, the victim may be able to take the case to court. Ultimately, the victim might be compensated for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage and other losses.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.33436482018-07-11T16:34:17Z2018-07-11T16:33:17Z
Researchers from Virginia Tech and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have conducted what has been called a first-of-its-kind study, and it should be of interest to bicyclists in New York. According to this study, bicyclists who wear urban-style helmets, with their solid design and lack of ventilation, are more than twice as likely to suffer injury in an accident.

To achieve their results; researchers used some of the latest techniques for simulating head injuries and tested various helmets. They developed twelve scenarios to test each helmet's effectiveness from every angle, simulating everything from glancing blows to direct hits.

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The latest helmets, which come with anti-concussion technology were demonstrated to have the most positive results. This technology is called the Multi-Directional Impact Protection System; it comes with an inner layer of foam that allows the head to slide and twist upon impact. The foam in urban-style helmets is thinner and easily compresses. A total of 30 helmets were tested; researchers plan on analyzing mountain biking and BMX helmets.

Bicycle accidents are all too common. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that in 2015, 81,000 people in America were sent to emergency rooms for bike-related head injuries. Though current standards can effectively test helmets' ability to prevent skull fractures and death, they do not accurately reflect the nature of most real-world bike accidents.

When bicyclists are involved in car accidents through no fault of their own; they may be able to file a claim against the driver's auto insurance company. A lawyer might be able to assist by having experts gather evidence and determine the full extent of their injuries, lost wages and pain and suffering. Information about the helmet that the victim was wearing could also come in handy. The lawyer may then decide to proceed to negotiations and litigate if these fail to result in the desired settlement offer.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.33181022018-06-25T22:04:06Z2018-06-25T22:03:06Z
New York residents who plan to live it up on the Fourth of July should keep that many accidents take place on during the holiday. The greatest risk is on the roads; both Esurance and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety state that 40 percent of all highway deaths between 2007 and 2011 occurred because of drunk drivers over the extended July Fourth weekend. During this several-day period, there are approximately 200 highway deaths every year.

Indeed, of all the days of the year, Independence Day is the worst for fatal crashes. Besides alcohol, another factor is that there are more drivers traveling during the holiday weekend. AAA estimates that this year, 37.5 million Americans will be traveling 50 miles or more from their homes to partake in festivities.

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Another leading cause of injuries on Independence Day is fireworks mishaps. People could burn themselves after approaching fireworks that don't go off immediately. The U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission states that hands and fingers are most commonly injured by mishandled fireworks. Standing too close to fireworks that are shot into the air could cause face or eye injuries as well.

Eating and drinking come with their own risks, too. Excessive alcohol consumption creates alcohol poisoning, and eating undercooked meat spreads foodborne illnesses. That's why it's important to think about what is consumed while at a July Fourth barbecue.

Among these types of personal injuries, those sustained in car accidents are among the most likely to be redressed in a claim. A lawyer could bring in third-party experts to gather evidence that proves the other driver was negligent. Once the case is ready for negotiations, the lawyer can strive for a fair settlement out of court. If the auto insurance company refuses to pay out, the victim can litigate.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.33067262018-06-13T21:34:15Z2018-06-13T21:33:15Z
Many drivers in New York and throughout the U.S. may be open to devices that could help them break away from their smartphones when behind the wheel. It may seem ironic that technology would solve a problem that it initiated, but there are several new devices that could help reduce the number of car accidents attributed to distracted driving.

For example, a Colorado-based company has developed a device called Groove that plugs into a vehicle, links the driver's phone to a cloud and allows the phone provider to block all incoming and outgoing communications. The product is currently undergoing a pilot program in the U.S. and in Australia. Incoming messages will appear after the car is turned off. Though it does not automatically turn off navigation and music streaming, this can be customized.

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In addition, a company in Louisiana has come out with a device called Drive ID that can do similar things but comes with added benefits. This solar-powered device attaches to the windshield and can differentiate between drivers' and passengers' phones, blocking only the former. For the benefit of drivers and administrators, it can also report on driving performance after each trip, taking into account speed, acceleration times and braking times.

When the victim of a car accident suffers damages, they may wish to file a legal claim. A lawyer could have experts investigate the case, bringing together the police report, eyewitness testimony, cell phone records and anything else that's relevant. The victim can start by trying for a settlement out of court, where the lawyer can handle all negotiations. If the auto insurance company refuses to pay out, the victim can proceed to litigation.

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tag:www.erichgreen.com,2018:/blog//70194.32879132018-05-30T16:24:08Z2018-05-30T16:23:09Z
New York motorists who drive drowsy could have a similar experience to those who drive drunk. Driving after staying awake for 24 consecutive hours is similar to driving with a blood alcohol content of .10 percent. That is above the .08 percent threshold states use to determine if a driver is legally drunk. One difference between tired and drunk drivers is that a drunk driver may try to drive slowly and avoid obstacles.

Drowsy drivers may simply go to sleep while driving at a high rate of speed. Those who are in a vehicle with a drowsy driver should learn the signs that someone is too tired to operate it. Those signs include heavy eyelids, drifting out of the proper lane and constant yawning. If those signs are apparent, the driver should be asked to pull over.

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After doing so, drivers should drink some coffee or take a nap. They also have the option of letting someone else drive instead if others are in the vehicle. To further decrease the odds of driving while tired, it is a good idea to drive in the morning or whenever a driver is more awake as opposed to when that person usually goes to sleep.

If a driver is operating a motor vehicle while tired, he or she could be seen as acting in a negligent manner. Therefore, victims of car accidents caused by drowsy drivers could be entitled to compensation for their injuries. Compensation may help to pay current and future medical bills as well as help to make up for lost wages or future lost earnings.